Amphetamine[note 1] (pronunciation:

/mftmin/; contracted from alpha-methylphenethylamine) is a

potent central nervous system(CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine class that is used in the
treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) andnarcolepsy. Amphetamine was
discovered in 1887 and exists as two enantiomers: levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine.[note
2]

Amphetamine properly refers to a specific chemical, the racemic free base, which is equal parts of

the two enantiomers, levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine, in their pure amine forms.
However, the term is frequently used informally to refer to any combination of the enantiomers, or to
either of them alone. Historically, it has been used to treat nasal congestion, depression, and obesity.
Amphetamine is also used as a performance and cognitive enhancer, and recreationally as
an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. It is a prescription medication in many countries, and unauthorized
possession and distribution of amphetamine are often tightly controlled due to the significant health
risks associated with substance abuse.[sources 1]
The first pharmaceutical amphetamine was Benzedrine, a brand of inhalers used to treat a variety of
conditions. Currently, pharmaceutical amphetamine is typically prescribed as Adderall,[note
3]

dextroamphetamine, or the inactive prodruglisdexamfetamine. Amphetamine, through activation of

a trace amine receptor, increases biogenic amine and excitatory neurotransmitter activity in the
brain, with its most pronounced effects targeting
the catecholamine neurotransmitters norepinephrineand dopamine. At therapeutic doses, this
causes emotional and cognitive effects such as euphoria, change in libido, increasedwakefulness,
and improved cognitive control. It induces physical effects such as decreased reaction time, fatigue
resistance, and increased muscle strength.